If one of your teeth looks longer than usual, exposing the root more than your other teeth, you might be dealing with gum recession on that tooth.
Localized gum recession is a common, often manageable condition that can be easily treated if caught early. In this week’s blog, we’ll discuss the signs and causes of gum recession on one tooth, as well as when to see your dentist for treatment.
What Does Gum Recession Look Like?
Many people do not notice the recession because it tends to creep in quietly until it becomes visually evident by disrupting the smooth, straight gumline of an otherwise healthy smile.
One of the most noticeable signs is that the tooth appears longer than the surrounding teeth. You might also see a visible line, notch, or ridge where the gum meets the tooth, creating an uneven gumline compared to the rest of your smile.
As the gum recedes, the tooth’s root may also become exposed. Since roots don’t have the same protective enamel as the crown (the part of the tooth you typically see), they often look slightly yellow compared to the crown. This exposure is also why teeth that are experiencing gum recession tend to be sensitive, particularly when you eat or drink something cold, hot, or sweet.
Why Is My Gum Receding on Just One Tooth?
When gums are receding on only one tooth, there’s usually a localized cause that’s occurring in that exact spot.
Poor brushing technique is often the cause of gum recession. Brushing too hard, especially with a hard-bristled toothbrush, can wear away gum tissue over time.
Furthermore, many people don’t realize they apply more pressure to certain areas of their mouth. For example, right-handed individuals often brush more aggressively on the left side, and vice versa. Recession can also happen if your brushing angle repeatedly targets the same tooth, thereby wearing away the gum.
Tooth position also plays a significant role. Teeth that sit slightly forward, are rotated, or fall outside the main arch often have thinner bone support on the outer surface, making the gum tissue in that area more vulnerable to pulling away.
Gum thickness matters as well. Some people naturally have thinner gum tissue in certain areas, often due to genetics. Thin tissue is simply less resilient and more prone to recession, even with otherwise good oral hygiene practices.
Previous orthodontic treatment can be another factor. Braces or clear aligners that move teeth outside the bone housing may leave those teeth with reduced tissue coverage.
Localized trauma can also be to blame. Oral piercings that rub against the gums, sports injuries, or habits such as nail-biting and pen-chewing can repeatedly irritate the same area, leading to recession over time.
Sometimes, the issue is early or localized gum disease (periodontal disease). Tartar buildup on one tooth, especially in hard-to-clean areas, can inflame the surrounding gum tissue, leading to recession.
Finally, bite issues can lead to the gum pulling back. Excessive force on a single tooth, whether from misalignment, grinding, or clenching, can stress both the tooth and the surrounding gums. Over time, that constant pressure can cause the gums to appear to pull back.
Can Receding Gums Grow Back?
Unfortunately, once gum tissue is lost, it cannot regenerate on its own or with improved brushing habits.
However, gum recession can often stop progressing once the underlying cause is addressed, and lost tissue can be restored through professional dental treatment when needed. The recommended treatment will be easier and more predictable if the recession is identified early.
When Should You See a Dentist to Solve Gum Recession on One Tooth?
Not every case of gum recession requires immediate intervention by your dentist, but some signs should prompt a professional evaluation sooner rather than later, such as:
- The recession is getting worse over time
- You are experiencing tooth sensitivity that affects eating and drinking
- The tooth root surface is significantly exposed
- Your gums are red, swollen, or painful, which can indicate an infection
- The gums are starting to recede on multiple teeth
- You are not sure what’s causing the recession and need a strategy to prevent further recession
In many cases, mild recession doesn’t always require treatment beyond monitoring and preventive care. Your dentist will be able to determine whether the condition warrants a change in oral care habits or further treatment.
Treatment Options for Gum Recession
Treatment depends on the severity of the recession, the symptoms you’re experiencing, and the underlying cause.
In mild cases, adjusting brushing technique, switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush, or managing habits such as grinding can go a long way toward preventing further recession.
For more severe cases, gum grafting by a periodontist is often recommended. This procedure involves placing tissue from either the patient’s palate or a donor over the exposed root to restore the gumline. It not only improves the appearance of your smile but also protects the tooth from further damage.
How to Prevent Further Recession
Preventing gum recession, or stopping it from progressing, often comes down to small, consistent habits that help protect and preserve your smile.
- When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to make gentle, circular motions along your teeth rather than scrubbing aggressively
- Waiting at least 30 minutes to brush after consuming acidic foods or drinks to help protect softened enamel and gum tissue
- Wearing a night guard to minimize damage from grinding or clenching
- Addressing bite issues with your dentist to reduce excessive force on individual teeth
- Reconsider wearing oral piercings that rub against your gums
One of the most effective ways to protect your gums from receding and maintain optimal oral health is to visit your dentist regularly for routine cleanings and examinations. Here at Yonge Eglinton Dental, we help our patients enjoy strong, healthy smiles year-round and support their oral health goals with professional, practical solutions tailored to their needs.
If you have concerns about receding gums on one tooth or have any other oral health concerns, make an appointment with the Yonge Eglinton Dental team today. We are here to help!
Enjoy Relief from Gum Recession with Help from our Dentists at Yonge and Eglinton
Contact Yonge Eglinton Dental when you are ready to optimize your oral health. We will work together to ensure your teeth and gums look great and are as strong and healthy as possible. Make an appointment for an office visit today by calling our office at 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Receding Gum on One Tooth
Why is only one of my gums receding?
Localized recession usually has a specific cause affecting that tooth, such as brushing too hard in one area, tooth position, thin gum tissue, or localized gum disease. A dental exam can pinpoint the reason.
Is gum recession serious?
It depends on severity. Mild recession may only require monitoring, while more advanced cases can lead to sensitivity, root decay, or tooth instability if left untreated.
Can I fix receding gums at home?
You can help prevent recession from worsening by improving brushing habits and addressing contributing factors, but you cannot regrow lost gum tissue. Professional treatment is needed to restore tissue.
Do receding gums mean I have gum disease?
Not necessarily. Gum disease is one possible cause, but recession can also result from brushing habits, tooth position, thin tissue, orthodontic history, or trauma.
Can a receding gum on one tooth affect my smile?
Yes. Even a single uneven gumline can draw attention, especially when you smile. Treatment can often improve both health and appearance.
Is gum grafting painful?
Most patients report mild to moderate discomfort that is manageable with proper aftercare. Advances in technique have made recovery more comfortable than many expect.
How do I know which treatment is right for me?
The best approach depends on the cause, severity, and your symptoms. A dental assessment is the only way to determine whether monitoring, preventive care, or treatment is appropriate.
